Words that ground you.
A slow-writing journal of passages to copy by hand, from thinkers who lived centuries ago and still speak to us today. Ten quiet minutes, just for you.
Words that ground you.
A slow-writing journal of passages to copy by hand, from thinkers who lived centuries ago and still speak to us today. Ten quiet minutes, just for you.
Have you ever been afraid to live on your own terms?
I knew the kind of life I wanted. But I was so worried about what others might think that I kept putting their expectations before my own.
And the longer I did that, the harder it became to know if I was living for myself or for everyone else.
Then one quiet Sunday, I read something that made me question it all.
What is a slow-writing journal?
A slow-writing journal is a quiet space to step away from your screens and make time for meaningful words. On the left page, you read a passage from thinkers who lived hundreds of years ago. On the right page, you write it out slowly, in your own hand.
1. Read
Open the journal and read the passage on the left.
2. Copy
Write it out on the page opposite, at your own pace.
3. Close
Ten minutes, and the page is yours. Come back tomorrow, or next week.
In Korea, this practice is called pilsa. There is no app, no streak, and no right way to do it. From the words you copy to the reusable cloth it is wrapped in, every detail is designed to help you, or someone you love, discover a reason to slow down.
You may also know it as a transcription journal.
Choose your journal
Three volumes, each with thirty-two passages to copy by hand.
Each journal is A5 (approx. 15 x 21 cm), with 40 pages and 32 passages on 100 gsm cream paper.
Designed in Auckland, printed in Korea.
This is where I would begin.
Vol. 1 Begin is a gentle way in. Each spread gives you a passage on the left and an open page on the right, with a space for the date. You read the passage, you copy it out in your own hand, and you close the book.
The passages are about time, attention and how to read, from sixteen thinkers, East and West: from Seneca and Confucius to Sei Shōnagon, Virginia Woolf and Rilke. You do not need to know anything about philosophy. Each passage stands on its own.
When you copy a sentence slowly, you read it at the pace of the person who wrote it. I hope these pages give you ten quiet minutes away from your phone, just for yourself.
For the evenings when you would like to put your phone down and simply be with yourself.
Vol. 2 Be Still holds thirty-two passages, and its pages are slower than the first volume. They are about knowing yourself, having enough, and letting go of what was never yours to keep: Marcus Aurelius on the fountain within, Pascal on sitting quietly alone, Epicurus on wanting what you have.
There is no prompt to answer and no streak to keep. Read the passage, copy it in your own hand, and close the book. The page is already half full. You only need to bring a pen.
This volume holds the words that started The Quiet Ink.
The line by John Stuart Mill that I copied into a notebook one quiet Sunday is here, in Vol. 3 Stand Firm. It helped me stop doubting my own values, even when they were not the norm around me.
The thirty-two passages in this volume are about choosing your own life, doing what is right when it costs you, and holding firm without growing hard: Marcus Aurelius on being the rock the waves break against, Thoreau on stepping to a different drummer, Kate Sheppard on what we share.
If you already have Begin and Be Still, this is the third on the shelf. If you are new, it stands on its own. I hope these words help you, as they helped me, to be true to yourself without doubt.
Begin. Be Still. Stand Firm.
All three volumes, together.
Ninety-six passages from thinkers East and West, from Seneca and Confucius to Virginia Woolf and John Stuart Mill.
Start at the beginning, or open whichever book suits the evening.
A thoughtful gift for someone close, or a small collection of words to return to yourself.
Set of Three — $79 NZD
$90 when purchased separately.
The Art of Giving
In Korea, wrapping a gift in cloth is a gesture of deep respect for someone special. Choose a reusable wrap for your journal. The person who receives it can keep the cloth and use it again.
Bojagi Gift Wrap
Sheer navy organza
A traditional Korean wrapping cloth with a soft sheen.
Cotton Gift Wrap
Cream cotton with a blue stitched edge
A soft, reusable Korean cotton wrap that adds a thoughtful, natural touch to your gift.
Gwangmok Pouch
Simple, natural and made to be kept.
A cream cotton drawstring pouch to protect your journal and hold little treasures long after gifting.
Explore The Quiet Ink
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![Set of three slow-writing journals by The Quiet Ink: Begin, Be Still and Stand Firm, a philosophy gift set]()
Journals
Timeless words to copy by hand, helping you slow down, reflect and reconnect with yourself.
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![Three reusable Korean gift wraps: cream cotton wrap, sheer navy bojagi and cotton drawstring pouch]()
Gift Wrapping
Beautiful Korean cloth wraps and pouches that make every gift feel a little more special.
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![Three oversized sheer scrunchies in soft marble prints: rose, blue and sage]()
Small Gifts
Delicate, thoughtfully chosen accessories to bring a little beauty to everyday moments.
Kind Words
Quiet moments, meaningful reflections. Here is what our readers have shared.
“Calming, inspiring, grounding.”
There is something so peaceful about sitting down with a cup of coffee, reading a thoughtful quote, and taking a moment to reflect. It is a lovely way to start the day.
- Cindy, Auckland
“Calm, reflective, grounding.”
Writing in The Quiet Ink helped me slow down and enjoy a quiet moment to myself. Copying each passage by hand gave me time to reflect on its meaning, leaving me feeling calmer and more grounded.
- Maria, Auckland
“Entices beyond thoughts.”
It allowed me to use my experiences as the canvas for these quotes, relearning the lessons I have already learnt.
- Ethan, Auckland